Michael Jackson and 'American Idol' deny appearance rumors

Despite reports that Michael Jackson has tabbed American Idol creator Simon Fuller to revive his career, the King of Pop won't be appearing on the Fox mega-hit any time soon.

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"There is absolutely no truth to the rumor that Michael Jackson is going to appear on American Idol," Jackson's representative Raymone Bain toldAccess Hollywood on Thursday. "He has signed no agreements with anyone."

The New York Post reported on Friday, February 9 that Jackson turned to Fuller to "mastermind his comeback," prompting speculation that the 13-time Grammy Award winner would also appear on this season's Idol. However during a recent interview with TVweek.com, Idol executive producer Nigel Lythgoe dispelled the rumors.

"No. It's not true... just not true," Lythgoe told TVweek.com. When asked if the decision to have Jackson on Idol was still "up in the air," Lythgoe answered, "No, we won't be seeing him."

While the King of Pop will apparently not be appearing on the king of reality television, Lythgoe said there is still a surprise reason for fans of Idol to continue tuning in.

"Look towards a major news announcement in the next couple of weeks," Lythgoe told TVweek.com. "It's the biggest thing that's happened to Idol in five years. It does include American Idol and it does include America."

With its Top 24 finalists revealed, American idol's sixth season will continue airing this Tuesday at 8PM on Fox.